Lottery winners donate half their winnings to charity

In 2019, Frances and Paddy Connolly of England won a £115 million National Lottery prize, around $155 million, and promptly established the PFC Trust to distribute half of their winnings to charities across the United Kingdom.

The couple, originally from Northern Ireland, settled in Hartlepool, England, in 1990 and felt a strong connection to the community that welcomed them.

The PFC Trust provides grants for a variety of causes, including scholarships, food banks, programs to reduce social isolation, and defibrillators for sports clubs. Frances Connolly credits her family’s history of enjoying country music, and particularly Dolly Parton, as an inspiration for their charitable giving. She explained to the BBC that once her children were financially secure, she saw no need to retain the majority of the winnings for herself.

Beyond the initial lottery funds, the PFC Trust continues to fundraise and is guided by a board of trustees alongside Frances and her daughter, Fiona. To celebrate Frances Connolly’s 60th birthday, seven athletes are undertaking a combined 60-mile athletic challenge to raise additional money for the trust, demonstrating ongoing community support for the couple’s philanthropic efforts.